Tamron gives pricing and availability for 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 superzoom

Tamron has announced pricing and availability for its 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro 18.8x superzoom for APS-C SLRs. The lens, which was announced in February, will go on sale in mid-May at a street price of $629. The 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro will offer an unusually wide angle view for its class (24-450mm equivalent), while also allowing close-up shooting with 0.34x magnification. It has an ultrasonic-type autofocus motor, splashproof construction and optical image stabilization.

TAMRON INTRODUCES THE ULTIMATE IN HIGH-POWER ZOOM LENSES, WITH EXPANDED FOCAL LENGTHS AT BOTH WIDE-ANGLE AND TELEPHOTO ENDS OF THE ZOOM RANGE, PROVIDING THE WORLD'S FIRST ZOOM RATIO OF APPROXIMATELY 18.8X

16-300MM F/3.5-6.3 DI II VC PZD MACRO (MODEL B016)

A high-performance, high-power zoom lens that delivers focal lengths extending from an unprecedented 16mm at the wide-angle end up to a long-range telephoto 300mm!

Incorporates PZD (Piezo Drive) and Tamron’s exclusive VC (Vibration Compensation) system to further enhance the real-world performance of this next-generation “all-round lens”, which makes taking photographs more convenient and enjoyable.

April 11, 2014, Commack, NY - Tamron USA, Inc.announced today the release date of its new advanced All-In-One™ zoom lens, designed exclusively for DSLRs with APS-C size image sensors, that provides an amazing 18.8X zoom ratio. The lens will be on sale in the USA starting May 15, 2014 at a street price of $629. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched simultaneously. The launch date of the Sony mount model will be announced at a later date.

Since the launch in 1992 of the 28-200mm (Model 71D) high-power zoom lens - which featured a revolutionary compact, lightweight design - Tamron has been continually expanding its portfolio of world-class optics to benefit consumers.

Responding to consumers' demand for expanded focal lengths both at the wide-angle end of the zoom range and the telephoto end, Tamron developed a completely new All-In-One™ zoom lens design that provides an impressive focal length range extending from 16mm true wide-angle to 300mm super-telephoto.

Product Highlights

1. A further expansion of the imaging range. With a minimum focal length of 16mm (35mm film equivalent: 24.8mm) at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, and a maximum focal length of 300mm (35mm film equivalent: 465mm), this remarkable new lens provides a zoom ratio of approximately 18.8X.

Responding to requests from consumers who wanted to be able to photograph subjects with a wider viewing angle than is possible with conventional high-power zoom lenses, Tamron has begun developing a unique lens with a minimum focal length of 16mm. At the telephoto end, the maximum focal length has been increased to an impressive 300mm. Users of this new lens can enjoy unprecedented framing flexibility by easily adjusting the angle of view using the convenient zoom ring.

2. Superior, reliable image quality with a universal lens.

The lens construction features 16 elements in 12 groups. This includes three Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, one Hybrid Aspherical element, two LD (Low Dispersion) elements, one XR (Extra Refractive index) glass element, and one element of UXR (Ultra-Extra Refractive Index) glass, which has greater refractive index than XR. The full use of specialized glass elements in the design contributes to thorough compensation of optical aberrations. In addition, the use of the latest coating technology for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces minimizes unwanted flare and ghosting and assures sharp, crisp, high-contrast images.

3. Using a new design approach to create an ultra-compact lens.

The latest optical technology has been used to provide an expanded zoom range (compared to the B008) at both the wide-angle and telephoto ends, without necessitating the use of an oversized lens body. By employing UXR glass (which helps to reduce the size of the front lens diameter), an optimized layout of the Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, and adopting a 5-lens-group zoom system approach to provide enhanced design flexibility, the new lens embodies the fusion of state-of-the-art optical design, sophisticated mechanical design, and high-precision lens manufacturing technology, thereby attaining a compact size, an unprecedented zoom range, and superior image quality.

The new lens provides a minimum focus distance of 0.39 m over the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. This makes it possible to get right up close to the subject of the photo to enjoy easy, stress-free macro photography.

5. PZD (Piezo Drive) delivers faster, quieter autofocus action.

The PZD (Piezo Drive), an advanced standing-wave ultrasonic motor system, delivers faster, quieter, more precise AF action when the autofocus is engaged. There is enhanced support for contrast-detection AF capabilities, and focusing when in live-view mode has been made smoother. The new lens also features full-time manual focus, a function that was not provided by B008, making manual focusing more convenient.

6. Sharper images with VC (Vibration Compensation)

Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism is incorporated into the new lens. VC reduces image blur caused by camera shake to deliver significantly sharper images even when shooting handheld at long telephoto settings

Tamron has upgraded the cosmetic design and finish of this lens to create a more sophisticated, high-end look in keeping with the demands of discerning DSLR users. Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings, and an elegant tungsten-silver name-brand ring, etc., this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class.

Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro specifications

Principal specifications

Lens type

Zoom lens

Max Format size

APS-C / DX

Focal length

16–300 mm

Image stabilisation

Yes

Lens mount

Canon EF, Nikon F (DX), Sony/Minolta Alpha

Aperture

Maximum aperture

F3.5 - F6.3

Minimum aperture

F22.0 - F40.0

Number of diaphragm blades

7

Aperture notes

Circular diaphragm

Optics

Elements

16

Groups

12

Focus

Minimum focus

0.39 m (15.35″)

Maximum magnification

0.34×

Autofocus

Yes

Motor type

Ultrasonic

Full time manual

Yes

Focus method

Internal

Distance scale

Yes

Physical

Weight

540 g (1.19 lb)

Diameter

75 mm (2.95″)

Length

100 mm (3.94″)

Sealing

Yes

Zoom method

Rotary (extending)

Zoom lock

Yes

Filter thread

67 mm

Hood supplied

Yes

Other

Notes

Sony version will not have image stabilisation, and will be called '16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Macro'

Comments

Hi i am using Canon 600D and i have just started learning the DSLR i like to click portrait & Landscape ,so is it worth buying Tamron 16mm-300mm? will it give the same result as canon 50mm for portrait. Please advice & recommend.

Seems like its released exactly for me. Just bought a Nikon D3300 and was looking for a standard telephoto all-in-one lens just like this one. Love to own this amazing specifications. I am looking at Tamron for the first time. Have owned Nikkor lenses previously. Feeling a bit risky at the same time about flaws of a newly released product which even a manufacturer might not notice unless one complains. Should i go for this or not. Any Tamron users here?? Your recommendations are highly valued & appreciated.

In reply to all those who argue about what elements are most important for a great picture, I say that many elements are important, some are more important than others. Ultimately, luck plays a huge role.

Even more important than good glass and a large sensor is the visual composition of the frame and how objects are illuminated. More important than any of that, however, is being at the right place, at the right time and looking in the right direction. Sometimes a great shot has a huge degree of luck.

Speaking about luck, I believe it favors the photographer who is prepared with an 18.8x zoom lens, a lens that ensures a close up or wide angle when needed when things are happening very fast and there is no time to change lenses or to reposition yourself.

Tamron's new all-in-one lens is a great idea as a vacation and general walk around lens where things are changing quickly, being surrounded by crowds and where light levels are high. What you sacrifice is pro-level IQ and fast aperture. What you gain is lightweight and instant response to a photo opportunity. Assuming that this lens has reasonable IQ then this format is a winner. I use Canon L series lenses where IQ is very important and my photo objectives are predetermined. In other words I'm on assignment to get a particular type of photo using the best lens for the job. We probably all need both genres of lenses.

I am considering this lens for my Sony A 7 R - [especially since my Zeiss 24-70 just fell in a creek & may be RIP :-( ] I am used to Zeiss sharpness and detail, low distortion etc. But I am very attracted to this "all-in-1" kind of lens and am wondering how much I would have to 'lower the bar' with the quality-of-image factor with the Tameron. I know I'd have to get an adaptor (Sony's LA-EA-1, for $400!) and would have to drop my full frame pixel count from 36MP to 24 (ouch,) but I am still considering the Tam, because I love versatility and agility (eg, having a full frame DSLR, the size of a matchbox!)… Tried the lens out here in Boulder at Mikes Camera, darned good; fair with the deep macro -- but the light was low => huge ISO. So, can you elaborate on what you mean by IQ ? I shoot landscapes, people, macros, wildlife…maybe be getting into street photography…) Thanks!

If you have a sony E mount, would you be better off buying the Canon mount version, which has the VC, and using the E - mount / Canon adapter, which I think gives full functionality ? - or is that clunky for some reason ?

The last model managed to improve optically on it's predecessor so if they do the same with this or it isn't any worse at least it will be worth considering! I always told myself the compromises in IQ wouldn't be worth it until they hit 300mm because by that point the sheer versatility would be hard to deny as long as IQ was FAIR.

I would definitely consider this if the image quality is acceptably decent.

The quality of the finish has improved too, it even has a distance scale and the overall finish looks very simialr to the 70-300mm SP

I'll be interested to see if this lens get's "acceptable" reviews for it's image quality.

Tamron have to be appreciated for their efforts.Canikon should be attemting these kind of ambitious things with their might and position in the industry rather than being copmplacent and getting by their laurels from the past.

I was thinking the same re my Nikon 18-200mm. Said lens has been widely panned and sneered at but it has given me some very sharp and contrasty/colorful a3+ prints. Furthermore I've got some of them shooting from a moving vehicle or shooting from the hip while walking around. If Tamron's lens has fast and accurate autofocus combined with acceptable optics then it's a deal.

Oooo. That's the rub isn't it? Loads of distortion at the wide angle and fuzzy results at the long end. Also, with such a complex construction, how long will it last? (A legit question at 600 Euros). I have a Canon 700d and for that price I could get a 24/28mm f 2.8 and an 85mm 1.8. You could then crop 50 - 60% and still get sharp results. Alternatively, the Tamron 70 - 300 SP is a great lens at half the price.

I'd so much rather have 16-150 than 16-300 if the image quality were even slightly improved. Where is all this demand for the long end coming from? APS-C DSLR's can't focus at f6 in anything but direct sunlight and anything you have to be that far away from is most likely moving. I never understood the market for slow tele.

It's APS-C, it should be cheaper than FF to get some decent aperture telephoto lenses. Why are all real telephoto lenses FF? Show me something past 150 that's faster than f5.6 for APS-C and not FF? Pentax, champion of APS-C makes 60-250 f4 which is incredibly expensive ($1400) and 250 f4 isn't that impressive. Minolta had a FF 210 f4 more than 20 years ago and it never cost that much nor does it weigh 2.2 lbs!

I have Canon 600D and 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS. Great lightweight, budget combo. You can buy the lens used for $350, but even $650 new is not too bad. I have many good shots, both action and static with this combo.

Almost all beginners like a superzoom lens. When they buy their first DSLR they would most likely want just one lens which can zoom as long as it can go. However, those who are season photographers would go for high quality primes eventhough it may cost a bit like those made by Zeiss and manual focus is not a problem.

Funny. I've seen some beginners with modest equipment take better photos than some "seasoned" photographers with allegedly superior equipment. Rather than judge a person or equipment, lets judge the photo instead.

@mosc:i have the old minolta 70-210/F4 (FF) ... it feels really small compared to a canon 70-200/F4LBut about specs, this doesn't appear very obvious:the minolta is: 72x153mm 635gthe canon: 76x172mm 705g

But it (still after ~30 years) produces some incredible great images. However it is manual focus and even if it is very easy and fun to focus manually, for fast moving subjects it is damn hard...

A photographer who is a true artist does have the ability to see what others miss, but in order to capture that, one requires the flexibility to compose the photo without having to always fiddle around with changing lenses, sometimes resulting in missed shots. I have received numerous awards using an entry level camera with a Tamron lens.

there's a very good chance tamron is making this lens for nikon. the specs seem to be nearly identical. nikon may have just chosen 18mm to be it's floor. other small differences could be attributed to proprietary technology, including nikon's version of VR and their integrated coatings (NIC). tamron's made lenses for nikon before. nikon added their cachet after the fact for an additional premium.

I write after the presentation of the nikon 18-300. The two approaches have substantial differences. The Tamron has a focus ring sized. The Nikon seems to have a ring like that of the 18-140 .. inaccurate .. unusable in many situations ... we'll see from the tests which of the two approaches is better. Obviously, it is a lens superzoom touring .. I think will buy for this purpose ...

The maximum magnification of 0.34x seems to be strangely low given that minimum focusing distance is at only 0.39m or the other way around. There must be serious focus breathing, since usually lenses towards 300mm can focus at over 1 meter for similar magnification.

0.34x is high in itself but for that combination it seemed low, then I realize the focal length at 0.34x becomes only 74mm which is just one quarter from infinity (using http://www.mhohner.de/formulas.php calculator). That's a lot even for superzoom, the recent Nikon isn't that extreme. But I don't have experience with superzooms, so it came as a surprise to me when I read that. Well, one more reason to stay away from them :)

Otherwise 0.34x is standard for non-macro zoom lenses these days, all the basic zoom kits have something similar, even telephoto zooms.

But it's not a disappointment that it can't do higher magnification, rather that you need to get up close regardless the long end advantage.

have you ever missed a chance to READ IT ALL?He mentioned Canon, that as anyone knows by reading it is in WAY WORST SITUATION!!!About quality just see the tests made at the second version of the 28-200 and even the 18-250 from Tamron and start to cry comparing with 30 or 40years old fixed nikon lenses!!!OR...DON´T LET FACTS GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR ARGUMENTS!!!

I wonder if this lens will work on a Nikon 1 V2 with Nikon's FT1 mount adapter. THAT would be cool. Add the Nikon 6.7-13mm VR lens, and you'd have a great two-lens kit. The 1" 2.7x crop would make this lens equivalent to a 43.2-810mm f3.5-5.6, and the photos might be pretty sharp, since it would only be the central area of the frame that would be captured.

The lens is a 16-300 mm f/3.5-6.4, and on the Nikon 1 it would be equivalent to a 43-810 mm f/9-17. So at the long end it would be on the border of diffraction limited even at wide open.

Your idea that it "might be pretty sharp" is just wishful thinking. Small sensors are very demanding of the optics. The "810 mm f/17" picture will be, quite frankly, unusably mushy, even if this Tamron would happen to be the best superzoom ever.

It may not be sharp but man, it's convenient. They even reference the original 28-200 in their press release. Not something I would want to remind people of but they know this market better than anyone.

Funny but sadly also with hint of truth I'm afraid. Nikon and Canon both have been way out of touch with lens pricing lately. They seem to think their name on the lens is all that is required to make people pay an exorbitant price. Hopefully lenses like this and the new Art series from Sigma will mean they now have to finally start being more competitive on quality, features and most importantly price.